– A positive psychology practitioner counsels people and organizations in the adoption of interventions that work

A positive psychology practitioner may have a private practice that looks very much like the private practice of a traditional psychologist or therapist, but instead of practicing negative psychology, the positive psychology practitioner uses the principles and practices of positive psychology where the focus is on wellness not illness.

To be an effective positive psychology practitioner, one must master the theory,

the science, and the application of positive psychology.

“…positive psychology is the study of positive emotion, of engagement, of meaning, of positive accomplishment, and of good relationships. It attempts to measure, classify, and build these five aspects of life. Practicing these endeavors will bring order out of chaos by defining your scope of practice and distinguishing it from allied professions such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, social work, and marriage and family counseling.

…the science of positive psychology is rooted in scientific evidence that it works. It uses tried-and-true methods of measurement, of experiments, of longitudinal research, and of random-assignment, placebo-controlled outcome studies to evaluate which interventions actually work and which ones are bogus. It discards those that do not pass this gold standard as ineffective, and it hones those that pass. …(working) with these evidence-based interventions and validated measures of well-being will set the boundaries of a responsible positive psychology practice.

You assuredly do not need to be a licensed psychologist to practice positive psychology… Freud’s followers made the momentous error of restricting psychoanalysis to physicians, and positive psychology is not intended as an umbrella for yet another self-protective guild. If you are adequately trained…in the theories of positive psychology, in valid measurement of the positive states and traits, in the interventions that work, and you know when to refer a client to someone who is more appropriately trained, you will be, by my lights, bona fide disseminators of positive psychology.”

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Student Testimonials

"If you want to learn all about positive psychology, there is only one choice: AGU!"

Jennifer, University of Kansas Graduate from Overland Park, Kansas

"We live in a society with too much government interference in our lives. I was very glad to learn that one can become a positive psychology practitioner without the necessity of having to be licensed by my state. State licensing, that is occupational licensing, merely suppresses creativity and innovation while insuring mediocrity. Effectiveness as a therapist, psychologist, positive psychology practitioner, counselor or marriage and family therapist depends not on meeting occupational licensing requirements, but rather on the personality, integrity, and honesty of the practitioner. It is personality that determines effectiveness, not education alone. The great thing about this program is that one can earn a recognized educational credential, at an affordable investment, in a reasonable amount of time, without disrupting your life. This program will teach any student all they need to know about practicing positive psychology and how to establish and conduct a successful practice. Also, the published author program is the only one of its kind. The fact that AGU offers this high-quality program at such an affordable investment, while delivering such superior content is remarkable."

Cooper, Yale University Graduate from Florida

"As a licensed psychologist trained in human misery, I was ecstatic over learning about the other half, the most important half, of helping clients. That is, as a licensed psychologist I was trained only to help relieve human misery. I received no training in helping clients build lives full of meaning and purpose. It is in the recognition of one's strengths and virtues that we are able to help our clients flourish and thrive. Bravo to AGU for offering a program that has had such a profound impact on so many lives."

John, Columbia University Graduate, New York

"The best part of the AGU positive psychology program is the Published Author Program. Upon completion of my coursework and written papers, I had crafted a 300 page book about positive psychology which I now offer online from my own book website. Not only did I earn the PhD and become a Board Certified Diplomate of Positive Psychology, but I'm also now a published author. There is no other program in the world like the AGU program."

Renwick, University of PA Graduate from Pennsylvania

"I compared AGU with the Penn MAPP program. The Penn program is not online and cannot be done by distance learning. The Penn program also costs $50,000 or more when you total tuition, books, and travel expenses, not to mention the incovenience and time required. The AGU program delivers all of the content and more as compared to the MAPP program at a fraction of the cost."

Andrea, Harvard Graduate from Boston

"When searching for an online, distance learning positive psychology program, there is no better choice than AGU. This accredited and accelerated program is ideal for adult students who live in the real world and cannot possibly attend classes. I could not be more satisfied with AGU, my mentor, and the overall quality and outstanding service received."

John, Ontario

"I cannot tell you enough how fabulous this program has been for me and my practice. As a therapist and life coach, learning about the science of positive psychology has absolutely transformed my life, the life of my family, and the lives of my clients."